IB to ESA

cathy wrote:

Hi, I am trying to help someone who is in receipt of IB and has received an ESA50 form which has to be returned by 1 week before Christmas. She has several different medical appointments including an MRI scan to attend in the days following the stated return date. Obtaining up to date supporting letters following these appointments is essential to include with the ESA50 form. However the Call Centre said there is no possibility of allowing an extension to the date the ESA50 has to be returned. Even though supporting reports/letters are likely to be delayed due to the Christmas and New Year Holidays. Does anyone know if it is correct that no extension is allowed? ( This is my first posting so forgiveme if I have got it wrong)

I am afraid that there is no way to extend the four weeks given to complete the ESA50.

She can return the ESA50 late, but will need to explain why, and runs the very real risk of having her claim closed by doing so.

Alternatively she can submit the additional evidence after returning the ESA50. If she does, then she should send a copy directly to the DWP, marked for the attention of the Decision Maker, see

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

I'm in two minds about sending the documents to ATOS, as I am not convinced they will make it successfully through their mail system, however, if it is not to costly, this is still worth trying.

She should definitely take a copy of the evidence with her to the assessment, if required, and should ask the ATOS "doctor" to read them before proceeding with the assessment, and to include them in her case file for return to the DWP.

Gordon